Many people struggle with anger issues, which can significantly impact their lives. Unhealthy anger can lead to feelings of resentment and unhappiness when suppressed, or relationship, legal, and professional difficulties when expressed outwardly.
Anger is considered a moral emotion, often rooted in a sense of injustice or perceived wrongdoings. Individuals with unhealthy anger frequently fixate on past transgressions, finding it difficult to move forward from the hurt and resentment they feel.
Unhealthy anger can manifest in various ways. Some individuals experience persistent irritability, becoming easily angered by minor inconveniences. Others may feel frequently disappointed by others’ actions, struggling with unmet expectations. Some individuals with anger issues perceive themselves as being in constant conflict with the world, experiencing challenges with authority figures or when following directions. Anger episodes can be prolonged, lasting days or even weeks, dominating a person’s thoughts and consuming their time and energy.
It’s important to note that while the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), and the World Health Organization’s ICD-10 do not include a specific diagnosis for “anger problems,” dysfunctional anger is a significant component of several recognized disorders. Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are the most commonly associated conditions. Furthermore, anger, aggression, or irritability are listed as symptoms in over 32 different mental health disorders, highlighting the widespread presence of anger in various psychological conditions.
Research indicates a concerning trend of misdiagnosis in individuals with anger problems. Mental health professionals sometimes incorrectly assign more severe diagnoses than warranted by a patient’s actual symptoms. This diagnostic inaccuracy can have implications for treatment and patient outcomes.
The complexity of anger issues is further emphasized by its frequent co-occurrence with other emotional disorders. Studies have shown that when anger is present alongside primary emotional disorders like depression or anxiety, the overall emotional distress is often more severe, and these co-occurring conditions can be more resistant to treatment. Addressing anger effectively in these cases is crucial for successful therapeutic interventions.
